165 homes at Comeytrowe, Taunton

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The presentation highlighted that the application sought approval for Reserved Matters following Outline Application 42/23/0016 for the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the erection of 165 No. dwellings with hard and soft landscaping, footpaths and circulation areas, public open space and drainage with associated infrastructure and engineering works at Parcels H2a, H2bi and H2bii.”

“Members raised concerns on the local village centre and the responsibility of developing this. The Planning Officer clarified that it would be brought forward by a specialist developer for this part of the scheme. • Councillors raised concerns about the lack of foraging area for the wildlife that would be invited to the area by the inclusion of bat and bird boxes.”

“The Planning Officer confirmed that all the proposed properties had adequate on plot parking of either a driveway or residential parking court. There was no plan for on street parking restrictions currently as it was hoped that residents had adequate off-road parking. He later clarified that there was no plan for verge management or parking restrictions on the verges and that there were visitor parking spaces for visitors.”

“Councillor Rigby was present online, and he clarified that the government had today announced new planning guidelines that new developments would not be allowed gas boilers after 2027. • Councillors raised the importance of renewable energy and heat pumps in new developments. The Planning Officer clarified that gas was still acceptable under building regulations and that solar panels were being used alongside gas at Orchard Grove.”

“Councillor Cavill proposed that the application be approved in-line with the officers’ recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Farbahi.”

“That Reserved Matters be APPROVED subject to the conditions stated at Appendix 1, subject to no adverse comments from the LLFA.”